Replies

Thanks for the tip on Sowell’s book.

We have a four and a half year old grandson with spina bifida, diagnosed two years ago as high-functioning on the autism spectrum. His mind is highly compartmentalized—songs he sings with me cannot be sung by his Mom, and vice versa. He will not allow anything from the fun part of his life to be present in the hospital when he’s had to undergo various surgeries and treatments for severe illnesses. No welcome visitors or toys. He endures his medical misery stoically.

At home and school, he’s happy and active, though physically limited. He speaks in hushed tones with only the people closest to him. He shows
abundant comprehension, but little in the way of speech, except an occasional burst of echolalia, out of context recitations of last night’s
commercials, characterized by, “Up next...”.

Among his favorite things are music, and the close inspection of things
and processes. He spent yesterday afternoon figuring out how to get from
being seated on the floor to climbing into a chair by himself, using mainly upper body strength. He succeeded!

We don’t know what his future holds. He’s currently in the autism class of a developmental preschool. We don’t know if he has regular school or special ed. in his near future. Your reply widened my thinking as to his possibilities. He truly is a jigsaw puzzle. He’s dearly loved and we’re honored to be along for the ride, trying to make sense of whatever pieces present themselves on any day.